Is it normal that i can't tell my friends that i have clinical depression?

I also have clinical depression, and when I told my best friend, I treated it like a joke, it helped create an unawkward atmosphere

I was clinically depressed for three years and was on 375mg of venlafaxine. I met someone who helped pull me through and gave me light at the end of my very dark hole. My friends knew about it but sometimes it's hard unless they fully understand the effects of depression. Some people are very shallow and tell you to just snap out if it which is totally impossible. I was right as rain until six months ago and due to something happening in my marriage I feel I have slipped back into depression. I know the signs and the feelings and I have them all. I'm afraid this time round to tell my friends and family or go to the doctors because I don't want them worrying about me as they did before because they think my life is happy now when it's not. I hate pretending I'm ok. I just wish my husband was as supportive this time round as he was the first time round but his not and it's all his doing I'm where I am again. He could help me before because it was not him who put me there. Life sucks and its horrible when the person your with doesn't seem to care or understand how you feel and that it's not your fault. It's the chemicals in our brain that make us feel so low.

The thing is, I did tell a friend once. I told her via an email because I didn't know how to say it in person. I explained all that in the email and she was very sympathetic and everything but after that, it was as though the conversation never even took place! She didn't ask me how I was, not even once. I totally understand if she felt awkward about asking me but she could have at least sent me a text or something. I'm no longer friends with that girl (not just because of that, there are a number of reasons). I'm worried something like that will happen again. Also, I don't feel as though I have a good reason to be depressed. There are plenty of people with worse lives and problems than me. I don't ever feel as if my feelings are justified.

I'm the same way. I was on antidepressants for years and hardly told anyone.

I think you should tell them, and emilydoll is right, if they can't accept you as you are, then just leave them behind. It's not your fault that you have depression. Some thing's are out of our control.

I'm in a similar situation as you. I am almost 100% sure that I have some kind of depression, and that I should talk to a therapist about it, but I'm extremely afraid for my friggin life to let my parent's, and those I'm close to know.

But hey, if it makes you feel more comfortable, tell them. I know for me, it doesn't feel so nice hiding.

If it makes them look down on I they r not it real friends don't let fear stop I because u asked u probably want to say something no prob tell em

Yeah i think even if u send them out an email. Let them know... U will be surprised how much of a difference it will Make. You might be scared that it will change their perspective of you. But it won't!
Good luck.

I found out 3 years ago I'm bipolar, so I know how you feel. I agree with howaminotmyself friends are a great support system. I'm glad I have the friends I have there awesome they got me through some of my darker days. And I also got myself a dog my great dane shiloh is my best friend pets can do wonders when your in the dumps.

Friends can be an amazing support system for difficult times. I think telling a close friend would add to the therapy you are getting from your doctor.

Then tell them. Don't let fear stand in your way of doing what you think is right.

Chances are that they already know and don't know how to raise it either. Although depression doesn't have physical symptoms, you don't have to speak to someone for long before you work it out.

Dont tell youre friends! they wont accept you!